Nosho hair extensions and kit

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of wefted hair extensions  132  using individual hair strands  108  intertwined with each other to form a wefted product with a cornrow braid  120  base or edge  124 , one of the two sides  123  of the cornrow braid  120  having at least one groove housing a plurality of individual hair strands. The zone of attachment is rendered invisible. The distal end is secured with a knot or other method. The final product is then flipped over to its non braided, seamless side. Installation is in pairs as parents only, parents and children, or individual wefts scattered throughout the wearer&#39;s head. A unique mirror image embodiment places two parent embodiments adjacent to each other such that their edges face each other, separated by a part line. The mirror image embodiment solves hair and scalp imperfections and is available as a hair kit. Embodiments can start right at the edges of a hairline using my technique, even if the wearer is mostly bald, has thinning hair  148 , short hair, or has no hair problems.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

Supplemental hair additions, more commonly known as hair extensions,have been worn since Egyptian pharaohs and queens wore a form ofglorified hair adornment: painted individual hair strands. To thispresent day women and some men have adorned their head with manes ofluxurious hair extensions to feel glamorous and confident, whether theyhave existing flaws or not. Hair and scalp problems of thinning hair,short hair, receding hair line, and bald spots, and coarse textureencourage people to seek hair replacement and hair addition methods. Themost common hair addition methods add length, volume, or both.Regardless of method used, the end user or wearer has consistently beenrequesting a more natural looking hair extension that is also healthy onthe hair and scalp. The most common methods are glued and sewn hairextensions.

Glue used with weft and strand methods is harmful to a wearer's nativehair and scalp. Sewing methods are more secure than glue methods, alsoknown as bonding, and fusion. Sewing methods last longer than gluemethods. However, sewing methods look less natural. Sewing methods aremore time consuming to install, and during removal of the thread, thenative hair of the wearer is cut by accident. Additional disadvantagesof the glue and sewing methods are that glue causes substantial hairloss to the wearer. The Inventor has found that glue methods can falloff in warm temperatures, and so can weft tracks when sewn loosely.

However, regardless of the solutions that the new inventions haveprovided, new disadvantages and short comings have been added, and someproblems are still unsolved.

Unnatural looking hair extension methods still exist at the scalp andcrown level. Any hair extension methods can look great from a back view.However, the Inventor has found that the real challenge is the art ofcreating and installing a more natural, more believable crown area.People have traveled to a different State or continent to have thelatest more natural hair extension technique installed. With licensing,franchising, and training, more people can benefit from a more natural,healthier, hair extension method in their own locale.

Partial Hair Extensions—Crown of a Wearer's Head, Combing Native HairOver Extensions:

Caucasian and Asian native hair texture closely matches readilyavailable commercial hair. On the other hand, primarily Women of Colorand to a lesser extent, some Caucasian, and Asian persons are forced toapply a chemical perm. Glue and sewing methods offer little help tobalding individuals.

The common method is to leave some of a person's own hair out at thefront hairline. However, for people with areas of bald patches orthinning hair 148, there is no hair present at a balding or bald spot154 to comb over or camouflage the tell tale obvious sign that acommercial weft extension was installed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the various embodiments a welted hair extension 132comprises a cornrow braid 120 having at least one groove 122 housingindividual hair strands 108 at one of its two sides 123 of the cornrowbraid 120, and the zone of attachment rendered invisible.

ADVANTAGES

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: toprovide a hair extension that camouflages the braids, that protects thewearer's native hair, that can be installed as a partial, or full headhair extension, that can be installed in serial overlapping wefts, inpairs, or where needed, that looks natural, that can be sold as a kit,that camouflages imperfections such as baldness, thinning hair 148, andshort hair, that can be worn by women and some men, that does notrequire first chemically relaxing the native hair, and that is durable.Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from aconsideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The term “commercial hair strands” is used generally throughout thepresent disclosure to differentiate between loose bulk hair that can bepurchased and hair that is growing from a wearer's scalp.

The term “native hair” and “native hair of a wearer” are usedinterchangeably throughout the present disclosure to describe hair thatis growing out of the scalp of a wearer.

The term “parent cornrow” is used generally throughout the presentdisclosure to describe an initial cornrow for any side of the head, leftor right.

The terms “left side (parent) cornrow” and “right side (parent) cornroware used throughout the present disclosure to describe the finaldirection of the flipped over wefted hair extensions.

The term “braid branch” is used generally throughout the presentdisclosure to describe one of the three sections used in a braiding orcornrow braiding process.

The term “part line” is used generally throughout the present disclosureto describe a line created at the scalp by a comb, for example.

The term “part” or “hair part” is used interchangeably throughout thepresent disclosure to describe a head of hair that has been combed tothe left and right of a part line.

The term “wefted hair extension” and “wefted product” are usedinterchangeably throughout the present disclosure to describe individualcommercial, or store bought, hair strands that are cornrow braided byintertwining with either each other, and/the wearers own hair. A newproduct is formed that is a custom, two dimensional, seamless, anduninterrupted.

A “braid spine” describes thin strands of individual commercialsynthetic or human hair strands that are added at the beginning of thecornrow braiding process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a braid spine 100, and horizontallyplaced individual hair strands 108 in readiness to be inserted under thebraid spine. The parted line is for a full head installation.

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of a left side, as well as a left sideparent cornrow 138 installation for a full head, or nape onlyinstallation, tied with a knot 128 at the distal end 126.

FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of a mirror image part 142 shows thebraided side flipped over 134.

FIG. 1 d is a perspective view of a completed mirror image part 142installation, with the edges 124 of the wefted hair extensions 132facing each other at a common part line 104.

FIG. 1 e is a perspective view of a no part wefted installation 146.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a horizontal installation. The bottomgrooves 122 were used.

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of a flipped up curved installation 152for a ponytail style. The lines are continued in a spiral direction asshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a horizontal installation with itsbraided side flipped over 134.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an installation in a curved directionthat shows the cornrows. Serial single wefts can be created, leavingsome of the wearer's hair between wefts.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a serial overlapping 156 verticalinstallation.

FIG. 6 is an aerial perspective view of another installation in a curveddirection.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of how to begin the article ofmanufacture.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the completed article of manufacture.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a possible installation method forthe article of manufacture.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another direction of installationfor all installations.

FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of a person thinning hair and a bald spot.

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

100 braid spine 102 cornrow rotation 104 part line 105 row 106 nativehair 108 individual hair strands 108 110 tips [of commercial hair 112blunt ends strands] 114 left hand- hair practitioner 116 right hand-hair practitioner 118 hair clip 120 cornrow braid 122 groove 123 side[of cornrow] 124 edge of weft 126 distal end 128 knot 130 remaining hair132 wefted hair extension 134 braided side flipped over 135 non braidedside of weft 136 child rows 138 left side parent cornrow 140 right sideparent cornrow 142 mirror image part 144 hair line 146 no part weftedinstallation 148 thinning hair 150 curved and flipped up 154 bald spotinstallation 156 serial overlapping rows 158 spiral wefted installation160 possible installation method- 162 pin article. 164 alternating apexinstallation 166 loop 168 tip of braid spine 170 article of manufacture172 pinhead

Detailed Description of the First Embodiments FIGS. 1-6, 10, and 11

The present invention comprises various embodiments of a wefted hairextension and methods of attaching and removing the hair extensions toand from the native hair of a wearer of a hair extension. The hairextensions eliminate a two-step process required for hair weaving,wherein a braid(s) must be formed, and then the hair extension(s) is/areattached to the braid(s) in a subsequent operation. Moreover, removal ofthe present hair extensions may be accomplished by a wearer by merelyunbraiding the braided hair to allow the individual hair strands toseparate from the natural hair as it is unbraided. No tedious cutting ofattachment threads, removal of adhesives, etc., is required with theembodiments.’

A first embodiment of the NoSho hair extensions comprises a finishinghair extension. The wefted hair extension 132 that is formed within thebody of two part lines 104, forming a row 105. The part from the crownof a wearer's head to the nape of the neck is in preparation for a fullhead serial overlapping 156 installation. The embodiments have a baseedge 124 portion or underside comprising a cornrow braid 120. The weftedhair extensions 132 have a plurality of individual hair strands 108emanating from one of its two sides 123. Specifically, the plurality ofindividual hair strands 108 emanate out of the grooves 122 formed by thecornrow rotations 102. The embodiments start at the very beginning of apart line 104, or lack thereof. Where there is a bald spot 154, hairfrom an adjoining area is used to commence the braid.

The individual hair strands 108 are integrally cornrow braided 120 withthe native hair 106 of a wearer at the scalp. A small portion of thewearer's native hair 106 is added to the commercial hair with everycornrow braid 120 rotation, all along the length of a row 105.Concurrently as the native hair 106 and individual hair strands arebraided together, approximately a pinky sized or larger quantity ofindividual hair strands 108 are inserted into a side 123 of the cornrowbraid 120 after each cornrow rotation 102. The pinky sized or largerquantity of individual hair strands 108 is continuously andprogressively inserted all along one side of a cornrow braid 120, andthe joining appears invisible.

The embodiments thus provide at least one left directional or left sideparent cornrow 138 at a part line 104—with or without corresponding leftside child rows 136. The embodiments also provide for at least one rightdirectional or right side parent cornrow 140 at a part line 104—with orwithout corresponding right side child rows 136. The present wefted hairextension 132 is a new, uninterrupted, seamless, two dimensional, weftedproduct that has a cornrow braid 120 at the base of one of its twosides.

Crown Area—Mirror Image Installation 142 FIGS. 1 c, and 1 d:

A wefted hair extension 132 is installed directly adjacent anotherwefted hair extension 132, but in an opposing direction. Morespecifically, two parent cornrows 20—a left side parent cornrow 138 anda right side parent cornrow 140 are installed on opposing sides of theircommon or shared part line 104. Each wefted parent cornrow 138, 140, hasindividual hair strands 108 emanating from its edge 124 or base. Theedges 124 of the wefted hair extensions 132 face each other, separatedby the shared part line 104. When both wefted hair extension 132 s areflipped over to their non-braided side 134, the two wefted extensionsare mirror images of each other. A common or shared part line 104separates the two wefted hair extensions 132.

The mirror image part 138, 140 wefted hair extensions 132 appear to begrowing out of the wearer's scalp. This is the case even when thelocation of installation is originally mostly full of bald spots 154, isthinning 148, or has healthy hair.

The mirror image part 142 embodiment serves as a camouflage to hide telltale signs left behind by other hair extension methods. Such methodsinclude the use of clamps, tubes, rings, adhesives, glues, sealants,tracks, comb clamps, snaps, clips, and such. This natural lookingembodiment has proven to be valuable to the hair industry. The followingdescribes how the mirror image part 142 and no part embodiments areinstalled:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Right Side Parent Cornrow 140/Initial Cornrow 120for Right Side of the First Embodiment

A part line 104 is created. A second part line is created slightlyremoved from the first part line 104. Approximately three cornrowrotations 102 are formed using a thin quantity of commercial hair toform a braid spine 100. Next, a small quantity of individual commercialhair strands, approximately one size of a pinky finger or larger, isheld together at its blunt ends 112.

These individual hair strands are then placed horizontally across theright side parent cornrow 140, just North of the last formed cornrowrotation 102. The blunt ends 112 face toward West, or toward the lefthand 114 of a hair practitioner. These blunt ends 112 slightly extendbeyond the left parent cornrow 138 by approximately three to fiveinches. The tips 110 of the commercial hair face toward East, or towardthe right hand 116 of a hair practitioner.

Next, the blunt ends 112 that extend approximately three to five inchesto the left of the right side parent cornrow 140 are added to the leftbraid branch. The combined blunt ends and left braid branch are thenadded to the middle braid branch, leaving the tips 110 of the loosestrands of bulk commercial hair to hang freely. This new middle braidbranch is then moved over to the right and becomes a right braid branch,while the previous right braid branch becomes a middle braid branch.

This process is repeated with each and every rotation of a cornrow braid120 process, integrally as the hair is braided, continuously along theentire length of the right side parent cornrow 140. The resultant weftedhair extension 132 is then turned over or flipped over 134 to reveal theother side—the non-braided side 135 that appears to be naturally growingout of the scalp of the wearer, even when that location was originallybald, partly bald, or had normal healthy native hair 106. The new hairextension is an uninterrupted, fully wefted product that is also twodimensional.

Any child rows 136 receive commercial hair inserted into the cornrowbraid 120 in the same direction as their respective parent cornrows 138,140. This is the case when adding or joining native hair 106 with curlyor wavy hair. Child rows 136 can be wefted in an opposing direction thantheir respective parent cornrows 138, 140.

Each embodiment may have several child rows 136, or no child row,several parent cornrows 138, 140, or only one parent cornrow 138, 140 tocomplete either a crown only installation, or a full head installation.Alternatively, each embodiment may have no designation at all. Weftedhair extensions do not need parent cornrows 138, 140, or child cornrows136. A no part 146 wefted hair extension can be installed instead.

At the end of each cornrow braid 120 remaining hair 130 is secured bybraiding down approximately three rotations of a single braid, and thensecuring the braid with a knot 128.

Optionally, a rubber band can be used to tie the loose ends of eachcornrow braid 120. The method used depends on the texture and length ofa person's hair. Any child rows 136 or inner rows that the parentcornrow 140 overlap may be installed in the same direction as the rightside parent cornrow 140, or not.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION No Part 146 Installation of the First EmbodimentsFIG. 1 e

Alternatively, the entire installation of the wefted hair extension 132s may be completed in one direction. To install the NoSho wefted hairextensions 132 without a part, one direction only can be used. Forexample, the grooves 122 can all have hair emanating from the right sideof a cornrow braid 120—right side (parent). Or, from the left side ofthe grooves 122 of a cornrow braid 120—left side (parent). The cornrowbraids 120 are installed either with thinner rows, thicker hair strands,or curly hair. Alternatively, both a left parent cornrow 138 and a rightside parent cornrow 140 can be installed. Additionally, curly hair maybe used to circumvent the need to create thinner rows. Therefore, it isnot necessary to install wefted hair extensions 132 close to each othersuch that they overlap excessively. Otherwise, the method is the same asthe first embodiment.

For a full head installation, with no bald spots 154, a part line 104 iscreated starting at a wearer's hair line to a predetermined distance onthe wearer's head. Next, another part line 104 is created, a slightdistance away from the first part line 104. Thus, a row 105 [of hair]has been created. The direction of the line can be straight or curved.The rest of the native hair 106 is secured away from the row 105 to bebraided with hair clips 118.

A braid spine 100 consisting of a few strands or thin quantity ofindividual commercial hair, approximately 8-20 strands, are incorporatedwith the native hair 106 of the wearer. A cornrow braid 120 is startedat the beginning of a row 105 with approximately three to five cornrowrotations 102. Next, individual commercial hair strands 108,approximately the size of a pinky finger or larger, are held together attheir blunt ends 112. Next, these individual hair strands are placedhorizontally across the left side parent cornrow 138, slightly North ofthe last formed cornrow rotation 102. These horizontally placed hairstrands 108 have their blunt ends 112 facing toward East, or toward theright hand 116 of a hair practitioner, and extend beyond the left sideparent cornrow 138 by approximately three to five inches. The tips 110of the individual hair strands 108 face toward West, or toward the lefthand 114 of a hair practitioner.

Next, the blunt ends 112 that extend approximately three to five inchesto the right of the left side parent cornrow 138 are moved under theside of a right braid branch. It is then added to a middle braid branch,leaving the tips 110 of the commercial hair to hang free. This additionof the blunt ends 112 to the middle braid branch forms the new middlebraid branch. This new middle braid branch is then moved over a leftbraid branch while simultaneously moving the left braid branch to themiddle position as the new middle braid branch. The middle braid branchis moved over the right braid branch while simultaneously moving theright braid branch to the middle position.

The process is repeated: another small quantity of individual commercialhair strands are inserted into the side 123 of the cornrow braid 120 bylaying it horizontally across the cornrow braid 120. Next the blunt ends112 are turned around a right braid branch such that it meets the middlebraid branch. Together, this new middle braid branch is moved over theleft braid branch while simultaneously moving the left braid branchunder the new left braid branch. Continuing, the left braid branch ismoved to the middle position as the new middle braid branch. The middlebraid branch is moved over the right braid branch while simultaneouslymoving the right braid branch to the middle position.

The above process is repeated with each and every cornrow rotation 102,hair strands inserted continuously into each groove 122 along the entirelength of the left side parent cornrow 138. At the distal end 126 of thecornrow braid 120, approximately three rotations are made to create asingle braid. Next, a few strands of the remaining hair 130 are wrappedaround the braid and secured with a knot 128. A rubber band may be usedinstead.

Operation First Embodiment

The wefted hair extensions 132 are flipped over 134 to their non braidedside 135. These embodiments are easily removed by the wearer, merely byunraveling the distal end 126 of the braid. Approximately 30 minutestime lapses for take down. There is no accidental cutting of native hair106 as occurs with sewing methods, and no harmful results as occurs withglues, and small fasteners.

Various methods of securing and removing the present NoSho wefted hairextensions 132 to and from the native hair 106 of the wearer are alsodisclosed herein. These methods all include the steps for creatingcustom wefted hair extensions 132 without any tools. Essentially, theseembodiments are an alternative to commercially sold weft extensions.These embodiments provide a camouflage to hide commercial weft tracksanywhere, including the crown area of a wearer's head. Additionally, myembodiments are an alternative method of hair extensions currently usedby Caucasians and Asians.

Detailed Description of Second Embodiment Article of Manufacture: FIGS.7, 8, and 9

A second embodiment is an article of manufacture 170 and hair kit thathas a finished beginning, and distal end 126. Individual hair strands108 are intertwined directly with each other, rendering the joininginvisible. A new product is formed—a wefted hair extension 132. A hairkit can contain at least two finishing touch hair extensions, a leftside parent 138, and a right side parent cornrow 140.

A pin 162 such as a long sewing pin or other thin rigid structure thatcan be secured into or onto a stable base for support such as a longnail with no pin head 172 can be used. Alternatively, the pin 162—likestructure may be of sufficient length so as to prevent the looped 166hair strands from sliding off. A cushion or the arm of an arm chair willdo. Otherwise, the pin 162—like structure may be secured into astationery object such as a block of heavy wood, metal, or other stablesurface.

Article of Manufacture—Left Side (Parent) Cornrow Braid 120:

Approximately 20-40 strands or a thin quantity of commercial hair isused to form a braid spine 100. The braid spine 100 is then loopedaround any thin rigid, stationary object such as a large sewing pin 162.One or two cornrow rotations 102 are made. Next, a small quantity ofindividual commercial hair strands approximately the width of a pinkyfinger or larger is held together at its blunt ends 112 then placedhorizontally across the cornrow braid 120, and North of the last formedcornrow rotation 102. The blunt ends 112 face toward West, or toward theleft hand 114 of a hair practitioner, and slightly extend beyond thecornrow braid 120 by approximately three to five inches. The tips 110,of the commercial hair, face toward East, or toward the right hand 116of the hair practitioner.

Next, the blunt ends 112 that extend approximately three to five inchesto the left of the cornrow braid 120 are added to the left braid branch,and added to the middle braid branch, leaving the tips 110 of theindividual hair strands 108 to hang freely. This new middle braid branchis then moved over to the right and becomes a right braid branch, whilethe previous right braid branch becomes a middle braid branch.

This process is repeated with each and every rotation of a cornrow 120braiding process continuously along the entire length of the cornrow120. At the end of a cornrow 120, the remaining hair 130 is tied with afew strands of the commercial hair. However, additionally, the knot 128is sealed with glue. The pin 162 is then released from the wefted hairextension 132. Alternatively, the end can be glued, and the remaininghair 130 left over from braiding sheared off with a razor, scissors, orsuitable sharp instrument. The new hair extension product formed is anuninterrupted, fully wefted hair extension 132 product that is twodimensional with a non-braided side 135, and a braided side 140.

Article of Manufacture—Right Side (Parent) Cornrow Braid 140:

After lassoing the sewing pin 162 or nail-like structure, and braidingwith one or two cornrow rotations 102, the same process is followed asfor installing a right side (parent) row of the first embodiment. Theprocess continues by placing individual hair strands across the lastformed cornrow rotation 102. The pin 162-like structure can be removedfrom its base if entrenched. Alternatively, if the pin-like structurehas no pin head 172, the finished embodiment can be slipped off the topof the pin-like structure.

The article of manufacture can be packaged as a hair extension kit.

Operation Second Embodiments FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, Operation, Article ofManufacture

While the wefted hair extension of the embodiment is illustrated as arelatively short and narrow section, it should be noted that the weftedhair extensions and other hair extensions disclosed herein wouldtypically include hair strands having significantly greater length,e.g., eight or more inches, and wefts having the standard span ofapproximately thirty-six to eighty-four inches.

A part line 104 is created at the crown and a finishing touch hairextension is installed on each side of the part line 104. Namely, leftside parent row 138, and right side parent row 140 are installed. Thebeginning end is placed at the hair line 144, and the distal end 126faces away from the wearer's hair line. The crown installation is asshown in FIG. 1 d.

The article of manufacture embodiments may be attached to the wearer'shead in any manner used to attach commercial weft extensions asdiscussed earlier, such as an attachment comb. The attachment comb mayfurther be secured by sewing onto the edge 124 of the braided side ofthe wefted hair extension 132.

The article of manufacture wefted hair extension 132 kit may contain abang. A bang for the article of manufacture can have at least oneattachment comb or a hair clip that is sewn onto the braided side oredge 124 of the bang piece. Alternatively glue, or both glue and sewingcan be used to secure the bang to the comb. The tip 168 of the braidspine 100 can be tucked away under the braid edge 124. Alternatively,the tip 168 of the braid spine 100 can be employed to stitch the comb orclip in place.

Also, the kit may further contain left side parent 138, and right sideparent 140 wefted hair extensions 132 or mirror image part 142 finishingtouch wefted hair extensions 132 to hide imperfections. The wefted hairextension 132 kit may further contain a bang, and enough wefted hairextensions for a full head installation. Additionally, a separate kitcould sell the mirror image part 142 finishing touch embodiments.

At least one comb can be attached along the braided edge 124.

Alternatively, braiding of the clients own hair can be eliminatedaltogether by simply creating a horizontal line and attaching withblanket stitches to the native hair 106. To install the wefted hairextensions 132 at the nape of the neck without first cutting the weftedextensions a zigzag overlapping series 162 can be installed as shown inFIG. 9.

Alternatively, any instrument that can cut and seal can be used so cutthe wefted hair extensions 132 to the desired length.

When packaged, the article of manufacture may have the standard two longlengths of hair extensions in addition to at least one left side parent,and one right side parent wefted hair extensions 132 for use at thecrown of a wearer's head. Alternatively, when packaged, the article ofmanufacture will offer only the two left and right side cornrow 120wefted hair extensions 32. This is ideal for those who wish to hideimperfections of hair, and scalp, or of other hair extension methods.

The above methods are presently contemplated for the embodiments,however other values, dimensions, lengths, and directions can be used,some of which are already stated above.

Additional Embodiments, Ramifications, and Operation AdditionalEmbodiment Relate to the First Embodiments FIGS. 2 a, 4, 6, and 10

A bang can be installed. Approximately one inch of native hair is used,and the tips 110 of the hair strands are pulled over the cornrow braidstoward the wearer's face.

Another embodiment has short, vertical cornrow braids 120, at least aquarter of an inch in length or height. This additional embodiment canreplace harmful bonding methods prevalently used by Caucasian and Asianwomen—FIG. 5.

Another embodiment has short, horizontal cornrow braids 120, at least aquarter of an inch in length or height. This additional embodiment canreplace harmful bonding methods prevalently used by Caucasian and Asianwomen. FIG. 5 gives a good idea of how these short, vertical weftedextensions would look like.

Another embodiment is circular in shape, and traverses the circumferenceof the wearer's head—FIGS. 2 a, and 6. This circular installation isgreat for ponytail styles. FIG. 6 shows that the bottom grooves 122 ofthe cornrow braid 120 were installed with the individual hair strands108. FIG. 2 a shows the operation of the braided side being flipped over134 the braids and up into a ponytail. Alternatively, some of a wearer'snative hair 106 may be left out at the crown to create bang.Additionally, the hair can be worn down at the nape of the neck.

Installation can use circular, or a mixture of parallel and angular partlines 104.

Alternatively the wefted hair extensions may be installed to crosshorizontally over small or large bald spots 154. The outwardly-facinggrooves of the cornrow braid 120 can house the individual hair strands108, toward the face, ears, and neck—FIG. 11. Alternatively, theinstallation can be in a diagonal direction.

Another embodiment starts at one temple and ends at the other temple ina ‘U’ or moon shape.

Another embodiment is circular in shape, and traverses the circumferenceof the wearer's head.

Alternatively the hair extensions may be installed facing toward theface, ears, and neck.

Another embodiment relates to a bang. Approximately one inch of nativehair is used, and the tips 110 of the hair strands are pulled over thecornrow braids toward the wearer's face.

Additional Embodiments Relate to the Second Embodiments FIGS. 7, 8, and9

During manufacture, and getting closer to a predetermined distal end126, fewer strands of individual hair strands can be attached to createa thin distal end 126.

A comb or clip can be sewn onto the edge 124 of the braided side of thewefted article of manufacture using needle and thread, glue, or both.

The above methods are presently contemplated for the embodiments,however other values, dimensions, lengths, and directions can be used,some of which are already stated above.

Another article of manufacture inserts items of interest to certaingroups, such as gold thread to add more flair. Alternatively, ornamentsare incorporated into the wefted hair extension 132.

Another article of manufacture is easier to make, use, and is moreaffordable.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, thewefted hair extensions can use synthetic hair as opposed to human hair.Installation can be in any direction based on purpose of installation;only one groove can house the individual hair strands as in the case forextremely short rows, or there can be a series of grooves for longerlength wefted hair extensions.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

ADVANTAGES

From the description above, a number of advantages of the embodimentsbecome evident:

(a) The embodiments are flipped over and do not show the cornrow braids.

(b) No strands of a wearer's hair can ever be accidentally left out ofthe cornrow braids.

(c) 100% of a client's native hair is cocooned and protected within eachcornrow braid.

(d) The embodiments can be used for partial, as well as full head hairextensions.

(e) The embodiments are a healthier alternative method of hairextensions.

(f) The embodiments make commercial weft hair extensions almostobsolete.

(g) The non-braided side appears to be growing out of a wearer's scalp.

(h) The finished product appears to be growing out a wearer's scalp.

(i) The embodiments provide a finishing touch.

(j) Several embodiments can be sold as a kit.

(k) The embodiments seamlessly and completely cover hair and scalpimperfections.

(l) A hair part can be created at an area of hair loss even if that areais completely bald.

(m) The embodiments are wearable by women and some men.

(n) A majority of the embodiments have universal appeal and use for allhair textures.

(o) The embodiments provide a more sophisticated look.

(p) The embodiments look naturally occurring.

(q) The embodiments provide a seamless, continuous, full weft.

(r) The embodiments do not require first chemically processing thewearer's native hair.

(s) The embodiments provide more control over the density or thicknessof the extension.

(t) The embodiments provide more control over creating highlights and/orlowlights.

(u) The wearer does not have to first chemically relax their hair priorto installation.

(v) The method of the first embodiment has proven to grow hair andprotect the scalp.

(w) The installation lasts several months.

(x) The method is economical compared to some hair extension methods.

(y) Highlights and lowlights can be installed concurrently, saving astep.

(z) Different lengths can be used concurrently, saving a step fromstyling to cutting.

(aa) Hair practitioners and stylists can install the embodiments withminimal instructions.

(bb) The embodiments are an acceptable solution for hair and scalpissues.

(cc) The embodiments can be installed at any location, and in anydirection.

(dd) The embodiments provide a more natural looking crown area.

(ee) The embodiments are installable in small or large areas of awearer's head.

(ff) The embodiments can replace areas of missing hair.

(gg) The embodiments add volume, and length.

FIGS. 1 d, 2 a, 3, and 5 show wefted hair extensions 132 that have beenflipped over to their non-braided side 135, while FIGS. 1 c, 1 e, 2, and4 show wefted hair extensions 132 that have not been flipped over totheir non-braided side 135. FIG. 6 can be flipped over to itsnon-braided side 135. These wefted hair extensions 132 can be used tohide imperfections of a wearer's hair and scalp, as well asimperfections such as weft tracks and tubes of other methods.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the wefted NoSho hair extensionsof the various embodiments can be used to camouflage imperfections ofthe hair and scalp, as well as imperfections left behind by other hairextension methods. Additionally, the mirror image part 142 has a desiredoutcome of looking natural, and not fake.

Object of the Embodiments

It is an object of the embodiments to directly intertwine individualhair strands together.

It is also an object to directly intertwine individual hair strands atthe base of native hair.

It is further an object of the embodiments to provide a more durablehair replacement.

Another object of the embodiments is to provide a method with moreuniversal appeal.

Another object of the embodiments is to provide a healthier method ofhair extensions.

Yet another object of the embodiments is to provide installation at anylocation of a wearer's head.

Still another object of the embodiments is to provide installation inany direction.

Still yet another object of the embodiments is to provide installationat small or large areas.

Another object is to provide a welted hair extension that can beinstalled at anywhere.

Another object is to provide coverage for normal, and problem hair andscalp.

The following paragraphs discuss related art, and expound thedifferences and distinctions from the present embodiments:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,621,663 issued on Dec. 16, 1952 to Christina M. Jenkins,titled “Permanently Attaching Commercial Hair to Live Hair,” describes aloom-like weaving method of attaching loose unwefted hair to the nativehair, using a series of cords or thread which are intermittently wovenwith the wearer's native hair, then with commercial hair. Unlike theJenkins method, the present method inserts individual hair strands 108directly to the base of the native hair of a wearer without the use ofany tools. Additionally, the Jenkins method does not describeinstallation at the edges of a wearer's hair line, nor from the hairline toward the crown of a wearer's head. Furthermore, the Jenkinsmethod does not insert individual hair strands into grooves 122 on theside 123 of a cornrow braid 120. Furthermore, the Jenkins method has thesame disadvantages of other methods already discussed.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,865,380, issued on Dec. 23, 1958 to Princess Mitchell,titled “Hairpieces And Method Of Hair Preparation,” describes a two stepprocess whereby a series of horizontal part lines are created for thepurposes of cornrow braiding at the scalp and throughout a wearer'shair. The Mitchell method suffers from the problem that all sewn wefthair extensions have, which includes the problem of accidentally cuttingthe native hair of the wearer upon removing the thread used forstitching the weft. Furthermore, the Mitchell method requires theassistance of a person or hair practitioner to remove the stitching,whereas the embodiments can be uninstalled by the wearer herself orhimself by simply unraveling the distal end of a cornrow braid.Furthermore, the Mitchell method does not insert individual hair strandsinto grooves 122 on the side 123 of a cornrow braid 120. Evenfurthermore, in contrast to the Mitchell method, the first embodimentdoes not require the use of any tools during installation.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,280,826, issued on Oct. 25, 1966 to Christina M.Jenkins, titled “Hair Piece And Method Of Making And PermanentlyAttaching Same,” is another method that does not use braids or cornrowsfor the installation of hair extensions. The Jenkins method describescommercial weft extensions secured by fastener clips stitched theretoand attached to the native hair of a wearer. This method allowstemporary installation and removal. However, the clips are bulky anduncomfortable. Generally, this method must be removed to shampoo hair,or to go to sleep. Additionally, fastener clips cannot be worn forextended periods of time. Hair care and maintenance require extra careso as not to drag down the clips progressively lower than originallyinstalled, causing hair to snag on the metal clips and tear the nativehair.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,534, issued on Jan. 3, 1967 to Jess Dorkin, titled“Hair Thickening Method,” is another method that does not use braids orcornrows for the installation of hair extensions. The Dorkin methoddescribes a method of thickening the hair of a wearer by—permanentlyinstalling individual strands or groups of hair strands that are bondedwith the aid of an adhesive agent. This method is time consumingcompared to the present embodiments. Additionally, this method suffersfrom the same harmful problems to the scalp and hair that most bondingmethods inflict on the native hair, which includes breakage frombrushing and combing, and permanent hair loss from the adhesive used inthe bonding process. Furthermore, the Dorkin method does not insertindividual hair strands into grooves 122 on the side 123 of a cornrowbraid 120. Even furthermore, hair care such as brushing, as well asremoval, requiring the use of harsh chemicals, also contribute to thenative hair of a wearer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,330, issued on Feb. 8, 1983 to Charles W. Nelson,titled “Method And Apparatus For Attachment Of Hair Units,” is anothermethod that does not use braids or cornrow braids for the installationof hair extensions. The Nelson method describes a process whereby tuftsof native hair are grouped together and secured at their base by afilament wire that is twisted about each group, forming successivegroups of tufts that are then secured using an adhesive. This intricatewire, glue, and thread method suffers the same drawbacks as other gluedor sewn methods that are harmful to a wearer's scalp. Further, thiswire, glue, and thread method is clumpy and awkward at the scalp. Thismethod is the most labor intensive to install as well as to remove,whereas the first embodiment is relatively easy to install and remove.Also, present embodiments also do not use any tools that reduce thecomfort level of the wearer, unlike the Nelson method. Furthermore, theNelson method does not insert individual hair strands into grooves 122on the side 123 of a cornrow braid 120. Even furthermore, this methodrequires assistance from a professional to uninstall the unit, whereasthe first embodiment can be removed by the wearer within a minimum of 30minutes by simply unraveling the cornrow braids.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,330, issued on Feb. 8, 1983 to Charles W. Nelson,titled “Method And Apparatus For Attachment Of Hair Units,” describesthe use of thin wire, or filaments of wire that are twisted about asmall number of grouped strands of native hair, and then secured withadhesive. Nelson does not disclose any actual supplemental hairconfiguration or structure in his patent. The problems associated withNelson's method are the same as described as with glued or sewnmethods—these methods harm the native hair and scalp. Furthermore, thismethod does not use individual hair strands 108 and cornrows attacheddirectly to the base of native hair to create a wefted hair extension132.

International Patent No. WO 87/5783, published on Oct. 8, 1987, titled“A Method Of And Apparatus For Styling Hair,” describes the sameinvention as that described in the '029 U.S. patent to the sameinventor, discussed further above. The points raised in that discussionare seen to apply here, as well.

German Patent No. 3,722,108, published on Jan. 12, 1989, titled “DeviceFor Attaching Artificial Hair To Natural Hair,” describes (according tothe drawings and English abstract) a small cylindrical sleeve or clampwhich is secured to the native hair of the wearer, with a weft of hairhaving a cooperating mechanical attachment device extending therefrom.The assembly is somewhat related to that disclosed in the Barrington'867 U.S. patent, discussed further above, in which a small heat shrinksleeve is secured about a tuft of the native hair, and a plug formingthe end of a hair extension. While the '108 German Patent Publicationdiscloses the mechanical attachment of a complete weft of hair, nodisclosure is made of provision for a series of attachment strands fromthe weft, for interweaving with the native hair. Furthermore, the methoddoes not insert individual hair strands into grooves 122 on the side 123of a cornrow braid 120.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,029, issued on May 16, 1989 to Raymond F. Bird,titled “Method Of And Apparatus For Styling Hair,” is another methodthat does not use braids or cornrows for the installation of hairextensions. The Bird method describes a commercial weft extension with apocket formed at its bound edge or ‘tape”, having a wire attached to theaforementioned pocket for the purposes of attaching to the native hairof a wearer. Consumers object to this method because the pocket addsadditional bulk to the hair, causing discomfort to the wearer whensleeping, combing, brushing, and shampooing.

Additionally, the wires can cause perforations at a wearer's scalp,causing minor injuries. This process is time consuming and laborious toinstall and remove, unlike the first embodiment. Further, the Birdmethod requires a professional to uninstall, whereas the firstembodiment can be removed by the person herself/himself, and withinapproximately thirty minutes. Furthermore, the Bird method does notinsert individual hair strands into grooves 122 on the side 123 of acornrow braid 120. Even furthermore, this method is a direct opposite ofthe method of the first embodiment that does not use any tools forinstallation, let alone wire and tape.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,173, issued on Oct. 30, 1990 to Della L. Russell,titled “Hairpiece For Compensation Of Hair Loss,” is another method thatdoes not use braids or cornrows for the installation of hair extensions.The Russell method describes a head band having individual supplementalhair strands disposed thereon that is easy both to wear and remove by awearer. However this temporary method is only intended to cover a smallarea of baldness or thinning hair 148. It is deficient for the purposesof covering up areas of baldness and thinning hair 148 that do notconform to a predetermined linear area. Additionally, this method is ahair extension method but only in the most minimalistic way, beingnothing more than a item to cover a very small area of bald patches, orhair loss. The first embodiment on the other hand, can be installedwherever desired, and is a permanent installation that the wearer canshampoo, and treat generally as they would their normal hair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,745, issued on Dec. 17, 1991 to Byung J. Cheh,titled “Hair Extension Process,” describes the use of hot meltedadhesive to bond small groups of strands of supplemental hair extensionsto the native hair of the wearer. Cheh does not disclose the use of anyform of wefted hair extension 132 with his process. The Cheh process,and the problems associated therewith, is more closely related to theprocess described in the Dorkin '534 U.S. patent, described furtherabove, than they are to the first embodiment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,867, issued on Apr. 28, 1992 to Mark C. Barrington,titled “Process For Extending Human Hair,” describes the installation ofa small plug to the ends of a relatively small number of strands ofsupplemental hair. A heat shrink sleeve is installed near the base of arelatively small number of strands of the wearer's native hair, and theplug of the supplemental hair group is placed in the heat shrink sleeve.The heat shrink sleeve is then shrunk to grip the supplemental hair plugtherein. This technique results in the same problems as incurred withmethods wherein the supplemental hair is glued or mechanically fastenedto small tufts of the wearer's native hair, i.e. the difficulty incombing or brushing out the hair when a large number of relatively smallnodules are installed therein. Also, while Barrington states that thesupplemental hair plugs may be removed by reheating them, this is a jobfor a professional. Such a task could not be readily accomplished by thewearer of the Barrington hair supplement.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,761, issued on Jun. 16, 1992 to Karen L. Meister,titled “Method For Attaching Hair Extensions,” describes the use of aseries of small sleeves which are crimped about relatively small clumpsor tufts of native hair of a wearer, near the bases thereof. A weft hairextension is then sewn through the bases of the tufts, using a needleand thread. The Meister method eliminates the need to braid the nativehair, but substitutes a series of small crimped sleeves, which must beremoved professionally when the wearer wishes to remove the hairextensions. The Meister system more closely resembles the supplementalhair attachment method disclosed in the Barrington '867 U.S. patent,discussed immediately above, than it does the present supplemental hairattachment method.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,986, issued on Oct. 25, 1994 to Drucilla W.Hargrett, titled “Hair Locking Process And Apparatus,” describes a braidassembly which is secured to tufts of the native hair of the wearer,rather than braiding the native hair itself. The braid attachmentincludes a series of small rings therein, with the weft of supplementalhair also having a like series of rings. The weft and braid rings aresewn together to secure the supplemental hair weft to the braidattachment of the wearer. This process involves a fair amount of time,as the braid material must be braided into the native hair of the wearerbefore the weft hair extension can be sewn to the rings of the braid.This ring-to-ring attachment is relatively loose in comparison to thepresent wefted hair extension 132 attachment, and moreover cannot beremoved by the wearer, due to the need to determine the location of theattachment thread precisely in order to cut it without damaging thenative hair of the wearer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,452, issued on Sep. 3, 1996 to Eslie O. Barlow,titled “Hairpiece With Adjustable Support Loop,” describes a loop havinga series of hair tufts extending therefrom. The loop has an adjustablecircumference, but is still placed relatively loosely upon the head. Nomethod for positively attaching the loop or supplemental hair to thenatural hair of the wearer is disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,298, issued on Nov. 19, 1996 to Cassandra Hinton,titled “Apparatus And Method For Concealing Attachments Of HairSupplements,” describes a relatively short and narrow adhesive tape forconcealing the braid line of a conventional hair weave attachment braid,e.g., the weave attachment braid as disclosed in the Mitchell '380 U.S.patent discussed further above. The Hinton tape includes a covering ofrelatively short hairs on the outer surface thereof, to camouflage theunderlying braid and weft attachment. The weft hair extension disclosedin the Hinton U.S. patent is not closely related to the firstembodiment, as it does not disclose individual hair strands insertedinto a cornrow braid to form a seamless, wefted hair extension directlyonto the scalp of a wearer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,819, issued on Apr. 21, 1998 to Janice A. Hicks,titled “Process For Securing Supplemental Hair To The Natural Hair Of AnIndividual,” describes a relatively complex process in which a weft hairextension is bound by sewing a series of blanket stitches thereinadjacent to one end thereof, with the bound portion of the weft thenbeing sewn into a previously formed braid in the wearer's native hair.The Hicks method is quite complex in comparison to the present method,and requires considerably more time to complete. Moreover, the Hicksmethod requires professional care in the removal of hair extensionsattached using her method, due to the need to carefully sever thestrands of thread securing the hair extensions to the braids withoutdamaging the native hair of the wearer. This is not a problem with thepresent welted hair extensions 132 and method.

European Patent No. 876,773, published on Nov. 11, 1998, titled “Method,Apparatus And Hair Extension Product Thereof,” describes a method offorming hair weft extensions from loose locks of hair, by applying athermoplastic resin to the ends of the hair strands and to seal them.The '773 patent Publication is primarily directed to a tool for formingthe hair in the desired shape and sealing or adhesively attaching thecommon ends together. No disclosure is made for attaching the completedwefts to the native hair of the wearer, as described in the presentdisclosure.

British Patent No. 2,327,605, published on Feb. 3, 1999, titled “ScalpPatch For Hair Extension,” describes a patch having hair extending fromone surface for securing to the central area of the scalp of a wearer.The edge of the patch is devoid of hair, and provides a margin forsewing the patch to cornrow braids formed in the native hair of thewearer. The Arogundade '605 patent Publication further discloses the useof a plurality of parallel cornrow braids formed in the native hair, andstitching one or more lengths of weft hair extensions together in asinusoidal confirmation for greater fullness. However, no disclosure ismade by Arogundade of any provision for attachment strands extendingfrom the weft or bound edge of a hair extension, for interweaving orintertwining into braids formed in the native hair, as provided by thefirst embodiment.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,107, issued on Feb. 1, 2000 to Tatiana L. Vermeer etal., titled “Detachable Hairpiece,” describes a barrette type devicehaving a hair extension permanently attached thereto and extendingtherefrom. The barrette clips onto the native hair of the wearer, withthe hair extension extending from the barrette to provide the appearanceof longer hair for the wearer. No individual commercial hair strandsforming a welted product attached to the base of native hair integrallyas individual commercial hair strands are being cornrow braided ismentioned, as described with the first embodiment. Clip hair extensionsare temporary and cannot be worn for extended periods of time. Thismethod suffers from the same disadvantages as the Jenkins 826 method.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,122, issued on Oct. 24, 2000 to Annie L. Campbell etal., titled “Self Adhesive Hair Weft Extension And Method Of AttachingSame,” describes a weft hair extension having a contact adhesive stripapplied to the wefted or bound end of the hair extension. A releasestrip is removed from the adhesive, and the hair extension is adhesivelyattached to the native hair of the wearer for use. The adhesiveprinciple also results in damage to the hair when the tape is removed,with at least some hair being torn, broken, and/or pulled out by theroots. Campbell et al. do not disclose a weft hair extensionintertwining individual commercial hair strands forming a wefted weavedirectly onto the native hair, as is the present wefted hair extension132. Furthermore, the Campbell method does not insert individual hairstrands into grooves 122 on the side 123 of a cornrow braid 120.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2001/35,192, published on Nov. 1, 2001,titled “Self Adhesive Hair Extension,” describes a weft hair extensionand method of attachment which closely resemble those describe in the'736 issued U.S. patent to the same Inventor, described further above.No non-adhesive attachment method is discussed by Townsend.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2001/37,813, published on Nov. 8, 2001,titled, “Attachable Hair Extension,” describes the use of an adhesivestrip disposed across the individual strands of a mass of hair to form aweft hair extension. Some of the adhesive is exposed between theindividual hair strands 108. A release sheet is removed from theadhesive, and the weft is applied to the hair or scalp of the wearer,with the exposed adhesive between the hair strands serving to secure theweft to the hair or scalp of the wearer. This hair extension and methodare more closely related to the various adhesively applied hairextensions of the Campbell et al. '122 and Townsend '736 U.S. patentsand the Townsend '192 U.S. patent Publication, than it is to the firstembodiment with its intertwining of individual commercial hair strandswith the base of native hair of the wearer while at the same timeprogressively forming a new product, namely a wefted product.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,736, issued on Jun. 18, 2002 to Valerie Townsend,titled “Method Of Using A Self Adhesive Hair Extension,” describes ahair extension and process which are very closely related to thedisclosure of the Campbell et al. '122 U.S. patent discussed immediatelyabove. Townsend differs from Campbell et al. in that Townsend sews astrip of adhesive material to the wefted end of the hair extension, andadhesively attaches her hair extension to the scalp of the wearer,rather than to the hair, as is the case with Campbell et al Townsenddoes not disclose a wefted product formed by integrally braiding orcornrowing individual strands of hair onto the base of a wearers nativehair.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,636, issued on Sep. 10, 2002 to Christine M.Vittallo, titled “Method Of Attaching Supplemental Hair To Human NaturalHair,” describes the application of a liquid adhesive directly to thescalp or native hair of the wearer, and then adhesively securing a weftof supplemental hair to the adhesive area. This method is more closelyrelated to the adhesive attachment methods of the Campbell et al. '122and Townsend '736 U.S. patents, than it is to the first embodiment thatsimultaneously creates a wefted hair extension product by intertwiningindividual commercial hair strands directly onto the native hair.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,327, issued on Jan. 22, 2008 to Carol Frazierdescribes a laborious method whereby a commercial weft extension havingattachment strands secured at its weft base, both of which extend fromthe weft base in the same direction, has a removable separator sheetbetween them. The method uses clips for the purposes of fastening thebase, or bound end of a weft extension onto the uppermost part line of ahorizontal section of braidable native hair of a wearer. Next, theattachment strands are pulled downward and incorporated into the cornrowbraid progressively along the length of the row of hair. After braiding,the separator sheet is removed with some difficulty because of thematerials described. Then, the commercial weft is released and allowedto fall down upon itself. To hide the weft tracks, the method rolls theweft tracks or edges over upon themselves, and then stitched in placewith needle and thread. Consumers object to wearing this method becauseweft tracks are rigid and bulky. Additionally folding them uponthemselves creates even more bulk for the wearer to contend with,especially when sleeping. The Frazier method has other disadvantages asdescribed for commercial wefts, and as per the Bird patent discussedabove.

In addition to the above patents and patent publications, As of lateApril of last year, when the embodiments were finalized and testmarketing began, the Inventor became aware of a possible infringer.Several interested calls from many different States including New Jerseyconfirm commercial viability. A printout of our web page:www.upalmit.com is attached accordingly. Additionally, the Inventor cameacross a braided hair extension technique on www.braidsbybreslin.com,and kristenlock.com. Printouts are attached accordingly.

The prior art is dissimilar to the embodiments and offers no unexpectedresults. Additionally, the prior art teaches away from various methodsof the NoSho wefted hair extensions 132 such as: no hair shorter than 18inches can be used. Also, the prior art teaches taking hair out of acornrow braid all along a row. Additionally, my embodiments looks morepolished and mimic a more natural looking head of hair, starting rightat a hair line, or lack thereof. The methods and embodiments are starklydissimilar. The two cannot be confused with each other. Therefore mytechnique is novel over the prior art. Even furthermore, the prior artdoes not offer the non surgical hair loss solutions of my method. Theprior art method does not anticipate or allow for providing such aservice because of its described limitations. Further, the prior artmethod does not teach inserting individual hair strands into grooves 122on the side 123 of a cornrow braid 120.

Accordingly, and within timely fashion, letters patent are being sought.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly, or incombination, is seen to describe the instant embodiments as claimed.Thus, the reader will see that the embodiments provide more reliable,more functional, more aesthetic, yet economical installation that isreadily available to any person with any type of hair and scalpcondition and/or hair length and thickening needs. Thus, according toall of the above, a wefted hair extension patent solving theaforementioned problems is desired.

1. A wefted hair extension 132 comprising the steps of: a) intertwiningindividual hair strands 108 directly with native hair 106 of a wearerand a braid means for providing at least one groove 122 along a side 123of said braid means; b) inserting a plurality of individual hair strands108 into at least one of said grooves 122 whereby the zone of attachmentis rendered invisible.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein saidbraid means comprises a cornrow braid
 120. 3. The method according toclaim 2 further comprising a braid spine
 100. 4. The method according toclaim 3 providing for a mirror image part 142 wefted hair extension 132comprising a left side parent row 138, and right side parent row 140whereby said mirror image part 142 provides a natural look as if thewefted hair extension is growing out of the wearer's scalp.
 6. Incombination, a finishing touch left side parent cornrow 138 and rightside parent cornrow 140 wefted hair extensions 132 are installedadjacent to each other, their edges 124 facing each other at a commonpart line 104 wherein said left side parent cornrow 138 and right sideparent cornrow 140 have a distal end
 126. 7. The method according toclaim 6 further comprising a braid spine.
 8. The method according toclaim 6 having at least one left side parent cornrow
 138. 9. The methodaccording to claim 6 comprising at least one right side parent cornrow140.
 10. A wefted hair extension 132, comprising: a) a cornrow braid 120base, b) said cornrow braid 120 base having a plurality of grooves 122along its sides 123 whereby said grooves 122 are the result of cornrowrotations 102, and c) means for providing individual hair strands 108 tobe attached through said grooves
 122. 11. The hair extension accordingto claim 10 having a plurality of individual hair strands 108 extendingfrom said plurality of grooves 122, whereby one side 123 of said cornrowbraid 120 base has said individual hair strands 108 extending from saidcornrow braid 120 base.